About

Principals

Brandt Johnson

Principal

Brandt Johnson, a founder of Syntaxis, is responsible for the firm’s presentation skills training practice.

Brandt brings to his training approach an eclectic background in finance, writing, theater, and athletics. He worked as an investment banker for eight years and has also written speeches and articles for numerous corporate clients. In addition, Brandt is a playwright and actor who has performed Off-Broadway and elsewhere. He formerly played professional basketball in Europe and played on tour against the Harlem Globetrotters.

Brandt graduated from Williams College with a B.A. in mathematics and has an M.B.A. in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Ellen Jovin

Principal

Ellen Jovin, a founder of Syntaxis, is responsible for the firm’s written communication skills training practice.

Ellen has taught business writing, email etiquette, and grammar at major corporations in industries ranging from finance and fashion to law and entertainment. Previously she worked as a professional writer, creating marketing and advertising materials for dozens of corporate clients. She has published more than 200 articles on business, sports, the arts, and a variety of other subjects, and currently writes a blog on language learning entitled Words and Worlds of New York. In addition, she formerly taught writing at New York University and the City University of New York.

Ellen earned a B.A. in German studies from Harvard University and has an M.A. in comparative literature from UCLA.